The Establishment Division has submitted an amendment draft to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking restrictions on dual citizenship for government employees.
According to details obtained by Samaa TV, the proposed rules recommend a complete ban on foreign service officers and personnel holding citizenship of another country, while other government officers will need official permission before obtaining dual citizenship.
The Establishment Division prepared the amendment draft in light of recommendations made by the Secretaries Committee. The proposed changes seek amendments to the country’s service rules regarding dual nationality of government employees.
The draft has now been submitted to the prime minister for consideration.
Complete ban proposed for diplomats
According to the proposed amendment rules, a complete ban has been recommended on dual citizenship for diplomats. Foreign service officers and personnel will not be allowed to hold citizenship of another country.
The rules also state that ambassadors who already hold dual citizenship will have to give up the citizenship of the other country.
Declare dual citizenship
Under the proposed rules, government employees will be required to declare their own dual citizenship and that of their family members. This declaration will have to be submitted within three months.
The requirement is aimed at formally documenting the dual nationality status of public servants and their families.
The draft rules state that government employees who already hold dual citizenship will be allowed to retain it. However, new government employees will be required to obtain permission from the government before acquiring citizenship of another country.
Other officers, apart from foreign service officers and personnel, will also need government approval before taking dual citizenship.
Retired diplomats allowed
According to the amended rules, retired diplomats who already hold dual citizenship will be allowed to retain their second citizenship.
The restriction will primarily apply to serving foreign service officers, personnel and ambassadors. The proposed amendments are now awaiting further action from the Prime Minister’s Office.
